Page 146 of Hateful Games

Like we’ve done this every night.

Honestly, it’s the first time in years that I’m having dinner with someone. Usually, it’s just me and my dogs at home.

“Do you usually have dinner alone?”

“No,” Nova replies and scoops pasta onto my plate. “If I’m not running late from work, I have it at my parents’. Family dinners are a must in my home unless one of us is busy. I would’ve taken you tonight but I don’t think you’re ready yet.”

“Really?” I blurt out before I can think twice. I can’t remember the last time my whole family sat down together for dinner.

His perceptive gaze rests on my face. He must see the shock written there because he softly asks, “What about you?”

I contemplate whether to reveal the truth or not but my lips have a mind of their own.

“Hardly ever.” My voice is low from embarrassment, and I feel vulnerable. “You already know what my dad is like and my mom, she’s always traveling.”

“What about Jasmine?”

“She’d stay out with friends or the guy she was dating at the time.”

Sympathy burns hot in his eyes. So does signs of pity as though he can’t fathom the possibility. Probably because his upbringing is vastly different from mine.

My psyche has been so brainwashed into believing his family as nefarious, corrupt, and antagonizing people that I never thought they’d share such a deep bond and be so normal. It’s like peering into a television and being told it’s real.

I’m blatantly slapped in the face with the harsh truth that I come from a broken home. Deep down I always knew, but compared to Nova, it causes a sharp stab in my chest. Especially as he silently studies my struggle.

“It’s not a big deal, Nova,” I rush to say, concealing my emotions. “I actually prefer it. Never been a fan of small talk. I’d rather have a show to binge-watch while I eat like every millennial.”

He captures my chin when I look away to grab my drink and brings my face back to his. Intensity rolls off him in waves. “Not anymore. We’ll go to my parents’ from now on.”

“I don’t need your pity.”

“It’s not pity. I’m simply making you part of my family’s traditions.” He shuts down my reservations with a stern tone. Caressing my cheek, he murmurs, “It would make my mother happy since she’s eager to spend time with you. She’s even coming tomorrow with my dad for dinner.”

Teresa has a pure soul and I’m unsurprised she’s welcoming me with open arms. I even received a text from her saying she’d join me at the animal shelter, if I don’t mind. It’s the other two family members raising alarm bells in my head.

“I don’t get it.” A mix of confusion and suspicion is evident in my tone.

His brows pinch in a frown. “What don’t you get?”

“Why do you so badly want to make our marriage work?”

“Would you rather we’re at each other’s throats all the time like we’ve been in the past? Aren’t you tired? I know I am.”

I give a humorless chuckle and accuse sharply, “You’re lying.”

“What do you want to hear then, Rose? That I’m holding up my end of the bargain of our union?”

“Are you saying you don’t hate my family anymore?”

His jaw clenches and his brown eyes darken in anger.

“That’s what I thought.” I push my chair back and stand to storm away. However, I stop. The anger and anguish that I’ve kept boiling inside me comes roaring out and I demand, “Why do you hate my family? I would understand your father but why you?”

“I don’t hate your family, only your scum father.”

“It can’t be because my father allegedly tried to kidnap you.”

His nostrils flare as he responds, “Who told you that?”

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